Superstition was quite prevalent in the past here in America. There were those who believed foolishly in such things as: breaking a mirror would bring the one who broke it seven years of bad luck, a black cat that crossed one’s path would bring them bad luck, and similar concepts. I don’t personally take stock in such things as fortune telling, palm reading, and the horoscope. In fact, I skip over any section in a newspaper pertaining to the horoscope.

In the early history of our nation the belief and fear of witches was brought to America from the old world. The fear of witches and witchcraft is known as: wiccaphobia. It was legal to burn those convicted of being witches. Some may have been burned at a stake with little more evidence than an accusation brought against them. Now days those who practice witchcraft have the protection of the laws of our nation as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others or attempt to use their witchcraft in a harmful way upon others. Even so, most folks are leery of those involved in such shenanigans and try to avoid contact with them.

The term “witch-hunt” is often used figuratively against those with opposite views. Whether or not those who accuse their opponents of being involved in a “witch-hunt” are justified in doing so depends primarily upon whether or not there are justified reasons for a formal investigation. Political parties often accuse those in whom they differ as being involved in a “witch-hunt.” If in their investigation they simply wants to find fault without some evidence then that is exactly what it is. On the other hand, may no branch of our government ever obtain the power of being above investigation!

Dub Mowery is a Gospel preacher in the Church of Christ. Presently he serves as full-time evangelist for the Pittsburg Church of Christ. A native of Southeast Oklahoma, he is the author of Colloquial Sayings & Expressions (Morris Publishing, 2008)